I grew up in Sarajevo, where I began my career in accounting. I started with the basics—tracking expenses, recording data, and reporting—and gradually built up my knowledge, step by step, taking on more complex tasks and increasingly responsible roles.
I assumed the role of CFO during one of the most challenging times—the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a period when companies were struggling with market downturns, budget cuts, and layoffs. Lockdowns and general uncertainty also prompted many personal questions. I often wondered how to turn the situation into something constructive.
One of the concrete steps I took was enrolling in the MBA program at the Zagreb School of Economics and Management (ZSEM).
I was looking for a program that offered flexibility, quality, and the opportunity to live closer to the sea. I’ve always wanted to work, study, and travel at my own pace, and that became my top priority at the time. My husband and I decided to move to Istria, together with our cat, Jolie. We had no idea what to expect, but we were ready for change.
Shortly after relocating, we were in a car accident. Although this made the beginning of my studies even more difficult, the reaction from the professors and administrative staff was incredibly supportive and kind, which meant more than words can describe.
The role of the CFO had evolved far beyond accounting and tracking income and expenses—it became about managing uncertainty, making tough decisions, redefining budgets, and leading teams through constant change. I needed a broader perspective to understand better and lead more clearly. The MBA program gave me exactly that.
As a CFO at an international IT company, my responsibilities range from financial planning and reporting to strategic advising for the founders, cash flow analysis, and business model optimization.
During my MBA studies, I launched several initiatives with measurable impact:
I introduced zero-based budgeting. Instead of inheriting last year’s figures, we planned everything from scratch. This approach brought greater transparency and reduced operational costs by more than 15% in the first year.
I participated in redefining the business model. We shifted from focusing solely on software products to developing partnership solutions and customer services, opening up new revenue streams and greater stability.
We are currently developing a financial automation system. We are connecting contracts with billing, implementing automated reminders, and improving liquidity tracking and reporting accuracy. It’s a long-term project, but it’s already delivering tangible results.
My MBA wasn’t separate from my professional life—on the contrary, it was deeply intertwined with it. I remember weekend trips to Zagreb, intense lectures, and working weekends in the classroom. The atmosphere was professional yet friendly.
At the same time, I dealt with a range of bureaucratic challenges, from residence registration to local procedures, and the ZSEM administration was extremely helpful throughout.
The program provided me with new knowledge in areas such as strategy, leadership, and human resources management—especially in areas where I previously lacked formal education. The most valuable lesson I took away from the program was that people are the foundation of any success. Without unity and support, it’s hard to achieve even the smallest goals.
The MBA also brought important professional connections. I’ve stayed in touch with some classmates and, above all, appreciated the openness and willingness to share knowledge that I found among them.
Today, alongside my day-to-day responsibilities, I’m working on my final thesis focused on the application of artificial intelligence in financial management—with an emphasis on decision-making, forecasting, and process automation.
Our company, Social Explorer, is actively developing its own AI features and strategically positioning itself for a future where data intelligence shapes user experience.
For me, this degree isn’t just another line on my résumé—it’s been a process of growth. The MBA gave me knowledge, tools, confidence, and, perhaps most importantly, clarity in thinking and leadership. Looking back now, I can confidently say it was one of the best professional and personal decisions I’ve ever made.
Roko Režić, a ZSEM student and co-founder of Trader, is building an app changing how traders learn.
Benjamin Koljanin on combining an MBA with a career abroad and expanding his professional perspective.
Enrino Škiljan is a ZSEM student who develops his entrepreneurial ambitions through AI projects.